Electrosurgical instrument with fluid diverter

ABSTRACT

An end effector of an electrosurgical device may include a discharge port in communication with a first fluid path, an aspiration port in communication with a second fluid path, a first and second electrode, and a diverter in mechanical communication with the two electrodes. The diverter may receive, on its surface, a fluid emitted by the discharge port, and maintain a contact of the fluid with the first and second electrodes. The diverter may be further configured to prevent an aspiration, by the aspiration port, of the fluid on its surface. An electrosurgical device may include a source port in communication with a first fluid path, an evacuation port in communication with a second fluid path, a first and second electrode, and a housing. The device may include a shaft extending distally from the housing and the end effector as described above.

BACKGROUND

Many internal surgical procedures require the removal of tissue as partof the surgical procedure. The removal of such tissue invariably resultsin severing multiple blood vessels leading to localized blood loss.Significant blood loss may comprise the patient's health by potentiallyleading to hypovolemic shock. Even minor blood loss may complicate thesurgery by resulting in blood pooling into the surgical site, therebyobscuring the visibility of the tissue from the surgeons and surgicalassistants. The problem of blood loss into the surgical site may beespecially important in broad area surgeries, such as liver resection,in which multiple blood vessels may be severed during the procedure.

Typically, an electrosurgical cautery device is used to seal the bloodvessels, thereby preventing blood loss. Such electrosurgical cauterydevices may include bipolar devices that incorporate a pair ofelectrodes that are powered by RF (radiofrequency) energy to heat andcauterize the tissue and blood vessels. Direct application of theelectrodes to the tissue may lead to unwanted effects such as localizedtissue charring and fouling of the electrodes by charred tissue mattersticking to them.

A method to reduce charring and fouling may include introducing a salinefluid into the surgical site to irrigate the site. Alternatively, thesaline fluid may be heated by the electrodes to form a steam tocauterize the tissue. In this manner, the tissue is not placed in directcontact with the electrodes and electrode fouling is prevented. Althougha saline fluid may be used, any electrically conducting fluid (forexample, an aqueous mixture containing ionic salts) may be used topromote steam-based cauterization. After the steam cauterizes the tissueby transferring its heat thereto, the steam may condense to water. Theresulting water may be used to clear the surgical site of unwantedmaterial such as the remnants of the cauterized tissue. An aspirator maybe used to remove the mixture of water and tissue remnants. It may bedifficult and inefficient for the surgeon to cauterize and aspirate thetissue especially if separate devices are required. Thus, a deviceincorporating the cauterization and aspiration functions is desirable.

The incorporation of both a saline source and an evacuation source foraspiration into a bipolar electrosurgical cautery instrument may beproblematic. If the aspirator operates continuously, then the saline maynot reside in contact with the electrodes long enough to be heated andform steam. If the saline source operates continuously, then excesssaline may be delivered to the surgical site and obscure the area fromthe surgeon. It is possible to have a device with multiple actuators toallow the surgeon to selectively emit a fluid to be vaporized by theelectrodes and evacuate the surgical site. However, such multipleactuators may be clumsy to use and lead to hand and finger fatigueduring a long surgical procedure.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a device that permits a surgeon toeffectively and efficiently provide steam cauterization and tissuemixture aspiration to a surgical site without requiring excessivemanipulation of the surgical device.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an electrosurgical device may include: a proximal fluidsource port and a first fluid path in fluid communication with theproximal fluid source port; a proximal fluid evacuation port and asecond fluid path in fluid communication with the proximal fluidevacuation port; a first electrode and a second electrode; a housingconfigured to enclose a first portion of the first fluid path, a firstportion of the second fluid path, a first portion of the firstelectrode, and a first portion of the second electrode; a shaftextending distally from the housing configured to enclose a secondportion of the first fluid path, a second portion of the second fluidpath, a second portion of the first electrode, and a second portion ofthe second electrode and an end effector, the end effector comprising: adistal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with the secondportion of the first fluid path; a distal fluid aspiration port in fluidcommunication with the second portion of the second fluid path; a thirdportion of the first electrode and a third portion of the secondelectrode; and a diverter comprising a first edge in mechanicalcommunication with the third portion of the first electrode and a secondedge in mechanical communication with the third portion of the secondelectrode, wherein the diverter is configured to receive, on a firstsurface, a fluid emitted by the distal fluid discharge port, and whereinthe distal fluid aspiration port is configured to remove a material froman area proximal to the diverter.

In one aspect of the electrosurgical device, the diverter may beconfigured to maintain a contact between the fluid, a surface of thethird portion of the first electrode, and a surface of the third portionof the second electrode.

In one aspect of the electrosurgical device, the diverter may comprise aplurality of features on the first surface.

In one aspect, the electrosurgical device may include a plurality offeatures that are configured to direct a fluid flow of the fluid on thefirst surface of the diverter.

In one aspect, the electrosurgical device may include a plurality offeatures that comprise a plurality of protrusions.

In one aspect, the electrosurgical device may include a plurality offeatures that comprise a plurality of recesses.

In one aspect of the electrosurgical device may include a distal fluiddischarge port that comprises an aperture comprising a circular opening,a semi-lunar opening, or a slit opening.

In one aspect, the electrosurgical device may include a second portionof the first fluid path, proximal to the distal fluid discharge port,which is configured to impart a turbulent flow to a fluid flowing withinthe second portion of the first fluid path.

In one aspect, the electrosurgical device may include a second portionof the first fluid path that comprises a first cannula and a secondcannula.

In one aspect, the electrosurgical device may include a first cannulathat is in mechanical communication with an inner surface of the thirdportion of the first electrode and the second cannula that is inmechanical communication with an inner surface of the third portion ofthe second electrode.

In one aspect, the electrosurgical device may include a distal fluiddischarge port that comprises a plurality of pores in the first cannulaand the second cannula.

In one aspect, an end effector of an electrosurgical device, mayinclude: a distal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with afirst fluid path; a distal fluid aspiration port in fluid communicationwith a second fluid path; a first electrode and a second electrode; anda diverter in mechanical communication with the first electrode and thesecond electrode, and disposed therebetween, wherein the diverter isconfigured to receive, on a first surface, a fluid emitted by the distalfluid discharge port, and to maintain a contact of the fluid thereonwith a surface of the first electrode and a surface of the secondelectrode, and wherein the diverter is configured to prevent anaspiration by the distal fluid aspiration port of the fluid on the firstsurface thereof.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a diverter that comprises anelectrically insulating material.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a diverter that comprises aheat resistant material.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a diverter that comprises aplurality of features on the first surface.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a plurality of features thatare configured to direct a flow of the fluid on the first surface of thediverter towards the first electrode or the second electrode.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a plurality of features thatcomprise a plurality of protrusions.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a plurality of features thatcomprise a plurality of recesses.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a first fluid path thatcomprises a first cannula and a second cannula.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a first cannula that is inmechanical communication with an inner surface of the first electrodeand a second cannula that is in mechanical communication with an innersurface of the second electrode.

In one aspect, the end effector may include a distal fluid dischargeport that comprises a plurality of pores in a first cannula and a secondcannula and wherein the plurality of pores are configured to source thefluid onto the first surface of the diverter.

In one aspect, an end effector of an electrosurgical device may include:an outlet port in fluid communication with a first fluid path; an inletport in fluid communication a second fluid path; a first electrode and asecond electrode positioned in juxtaposed relationship; and a divertercomprising a first surface configured to receive fluid emitted by theoutlet port, wherein the diverter is disposed between the first andsecond juxtaposed electrodes, and wherein the diverter is disposedbetween the outlet port and the inlet port to separate the outlet portand the inlet port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The features of the various aspects are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. The various aspects, however, both as toorganization and methods of operation, together with advantages thereof,may best be understood by reference to the following description, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one aspect of anelectrosurgical device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of one aspect of an end effector ofthe electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one aspect of theelectrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate plan views of the bottom, side, and top,respectively, of one aspect of the electrosurgical device depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan front (distal) view of one aspect of theelectrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a plan rear (proximal) view of one aspect of theelectrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial sectional perspective view of one aspect ofthe electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial sectional plan front (distal) view of oneaspect of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of one aspect of the interiorcomponents of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 illustrate plan views of the top, side, and bottom,respectively, of one aspect of the interior components of theelectrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 illustrates a plan front (distal) view of one aspect of theinterior components of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 illustrates a plan rear (proximal) view of one aspect of theinterior components of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 illustrates an additional perspective view of one aspect of theinterior components of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 illustrates an expanded perspective view of one aspect of an endeffector of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates an expanded perspective view of one aspect ofactivation controls of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front (distal) perspective view of one aspect ofthe electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 illustrates a rear (proximal) perspective view of one aspect ofthe electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one aspect of theelectrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 23 illustrates partial sectional perspective view of one aspect ofthe electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 9 illustrating a firstposition of one aspect of a slide switch.

FIG. 24 illustrates partial sectional perspective view of one aspect ofthe electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 9 illustrating a secondposition of one aspect of a slide switch.

FIG. 25 illustrates an additional perspective view of one aspect of theinterior components of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 9illustrating a second position of one aspect of a slide switch.

FIG. 26 illustrates an expanded perspective view of one aspect of an endeffector of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 25 illustratingan extended position of one aspect of an aspiration tube.

FIG. 27 illustrates an expanded perspective view of one aspect ofactivation controls of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 25illustrating a second position of one aspect of a slide switch.

FIG. 28 illustrates an expanded cross-sectional view of one aspect of ametering valve of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 29, 30, and 31 illustrate plan views of the top, side, and bottom,respectively, of one aspect of the electrosurgical device depicted inFIG. 25 illustrating a second position of one aspect of a slide switch.

FIGS. 29, 30, and 31 illustrate plan views of the top, side, and bottom,respectively, of one aspect of the electrosurgical device depicted inFIG. 25 illustrating a second position of one aspect of a slide switch.

FIGS. 32, 33, and 34 illustrate plan views of the top, side, and bottom,respectively, of one aspect of the electrosurgical device depicted inFIG. 9 illustrating a first position of one aspect of a slide switch.

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of one aspect of an end effectorof the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of a model of one aspect of anend effector of the electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of a first aspect of a pair ofelectrodes and a diverter of an end effector of an electrosurgicaldevice depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 38 illustrates a top plan view of the first aspect of a pair ofelectrodes and a diverter depicted in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 illustrates a perspective view of a second aspect of a pair ofelectrodes and a diverter of an end effector of an electrosurgicaldevice depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 40 illustrates a top plan view of the second aspect of a pair ofelectrodes and a diverter depicted in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of a third aspect of a pair ofelectrodes and a diverter an end effector of an electrosurgical devicedepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 42 illustrates a top plan view of the third aspect of a pair ofelectrodes and a diverter depicted in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate aspect of the endeffector of an electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 37.

FIG. 44 illustrates a top plan view of the alternate aspect of the endeffector of an electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 43.

FIGS. 45, 46, and 47 illustrate aspects of a fluid supply path anddischarge port of an end effector of an electrosurgical device depictedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative aspect of anend effector of an electrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 49 illustrates a front (distal) plan view of the alternative aspectof the end effector depicted in FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 illustrates another aspect of the end effector of anelectrosurgical device depicted in FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As disclosed above, an electrosurgical device may incorporate functionsto cauterize and aspirate tissues during a broad area surgicalprocedure. In some electrosurgical devices, energized electrodes may beused to perform the cauterization procedure. However, as also disclosedabove, the electrodes of such devices may be susceptible to fouling bythe tissue contacted by the electrodes during cauterization. It may beappreciated that cauterization of tissue may be accomplished by exposingthe tissue to a heated material other than the electrodes. As alsodisclosed above, in one non-limiting example, a fluid, such as a salinefluid, may be heated by the electrodes and the heated fluid or steam maythen be used to cauterize the tissue. The saline, or other conductivefluid, may be heated by an electrical current flowing between theelectrodes. In this manner, the temperature used to cauterize the tissuemay be limited by the temperature of the steam (for example, at around100° C.) thereby reducing the potential of tissue charring. Further, thesurrounding tissue may be moistened by the steam, thereby preventingdesiccation due to their proximity to a heated device. Additionally, thesteam, upon losing heat by contacting the tissue, may condense to water,and the water may then be used to irrigate the surgical site. In thismanner, a saline fluid may be used for the dual purposes ofcauterization and irrigation, thereby increasing the efficiency of thecauterization procedure.

FIGS. 1-8 depict views of one example of such an electrosurgical device100. For FIGS. 1-8, common reference numbers refer to common componentswithin the figures.

The electrosurgical device 100 may include a housing 105 with a shaft135 extending distally from the housing 105. The housing 105 mayinclude, on a proximal end, a proximal fluid source port 115 and aproximal fluid evacuation port 110. In some electrosurgical devicesystems, the proximal fluid source port 115 may be placed in fluidcommunication with a source of a fluid, for example saline, bufferedsaline, Ringer's solution, or other electrically conducting fluids suchas aqueous fluids containing ionic salts. The fluid source may operateas a gravity feed source or it may include components to actively pumpthe fluid into the proximal fluid source port 115. An actively pumpingfluid source may include, without limitation, a power supply, a pump, afluid source, and control electronics to allow a user to activelycontrol the pumping operation of the actively pumping fluid source. Insome electrosurgical device systems, the fluid evacuation port 110 maybe placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The vacuum sourcemay include a power supply, a pump, a storage component to storematerial removed by the vacuum source, and control electronics to allowa user to actively control the pumping operation of the vacuum source.

In addition, the housing 105 may include a connector 116 to which acable 117 of an energy source 120 may be attached. The energy source 120may be configured to supply energy (for example RF or radiofrequencyenergy) to the electrodes 145 a,b. The energy source 120 may include agenerator configured to supply power to the electrosurgical device 100through external means, such as through the cable 117. In certaininstances, the energy source 120 may include a microcontroller coupledto an external wired generator. The external generator may be powered byAC mains. The electrical and electronic circuit elements associated withthe energy source 120 may be supported by a control circuit boardassembly, for example. The microcontroller may generally comprise amemory and a microprocessor (“processor”) operationally coupled to thememory. The electronic portion of the energy source 120 may beconfigured to control transmission of energy to electrodes 145 a,b atthe end effector 140 of the electrosurgical device 100. It should beunderstood that the term processor as used herein includes any suitablemicroprocessor, microcontroller, or other basic computing device thatincorporates the functions of a computer's central processing unit (CPU)on an integrated circuit or at most a few integrated circuits. Theprocessor may be a multipurpose, programmable device that acceptsdigital data as input, processes it according to instructions stored inits memory, and provides results as output. It is an example ofsequential digital logic, as it has internal memory. Processors operateon numbers and symbols represented in the binary numeral system. Theenergy source 120 may also include input devices to allow a user toprogram the operation of the energy source 120.

The housing 105 may also include one or more activation devices topermit a user to control the functions of the electrosurgical device100. In some non-limiting example, the electrosurgical device 100 mayinclude a metering valve 125 that may be activated by a user to controlan amount of fluid flowing through the electrosurgical device andprovide, at the distal end, an amount of the fluid to the end effector140. In some non-limiting examples, the metering valve 125 may alsopermit the user to control an amount of energy supplied by the energysource 120 to the electrodes 145 a,b at the end effector 140. As anexample, the metering valve 125 may comprise a screw activation pinchvalve to regulate the flow of fluid through the electrosurgical device100. Additionally, the metering valve 125 may have a push-buttonactivation function to permit current to flow from the energy source 120to the electrodes 145 a,b upon depression of the push-button by a user.It may be recognized that in some non-limiting examples, the housing 105may include a metering valve 125 to allow regulation of fluid flowthrough the electrosurgical device 100 and a separate energy controldevice to control the amount of current sourced to the electrodes 145a,b.

The housing 105 may also be attached to a shaft 135 at a distal end ofthe housing 105. An end effector 140 may be associated with a distal endof the shaft 135. The end effector 140 may include electrodes 145 a,bthat may be in electrical communication with the energy source 120 andmay receive electrical power therefrom. In some non-limiting examples, afirst electrode 145 a may receive electrical energy of a first polarity(such as a positive polarity) from the energy supply 120 and the secondelectrode 145 b may receive electrical energy of a second and opposingpolarity (such as a negative polarity) from the energy supply 120.Alternatively, the first electrode 145 a may be connected to a groundterminal of the energy supply 120, and the second electrode 145 b may beconnected to a varying AC voltage terminal of the energy supply 120. Theelectrodes 145 a,b may extend beyond the distal end of the shaft 135.The extended ends of the electrodes 145 a,b be separated by a diverter155. The diverter 155 may contact the first electrode 145 a at a firstedge of the diverter 155, and the diverter 155 may contact the secondelectrode 145 b at a second edge of the diverter 155. The diverter 155may comprise an electrically insulating material and/or a heat resistantmaterial, which may include, without limitation a plastic such as apolycarbonate or a ceramic. The diverter 155 may be deformable ornon-deformable. In some non-limiting examples, the housing 105 mayinclude a mechanism to control a shape of a deformable diverter 155.

The end effector 140 may also include a fluid discharge port 150 thatmay be in fluid communication with the fluid source port 115 through afirst fluid path. The first fluid path, such as a source fluid path (see315 in FIG. 11), may permit the fluid to flow from the fluid source port115 to the fluid discharge port 150. In some non-limiting examples, thefluid discharge port 150 may be positioned above the diverter 155 sothat a fluid emitted by the fluid discharge port 150 may be collected ona top surface of the diverter 155. The end effector may also include afluid aspiration port 165 that may be in fluid communication with thefluid evacuation port 110 through a second fluid path. The second fluidpath, such as an aspirated fluid path (see 210 in FIG. 9), may permit aliquid mixture generated at the surgical site to flow from the fluidaspiration port 165 to the fluid evacuation port 110. The liquid mixturemay then be removed from the electrosurgical device 100 by the vacuumsource and stored in the storage component for later removal.

In some non-limiting examples, the fluid aspiration port 165 may beformed at the distal end of an aspiration tube 160. The aspiration tube160 may also form part of the aspirated fluid path 210. The aspirationtube 160 may be located within the shaft 135 or it may be locatedoutside of and beneath the shaft 135. An aspiration tube 160 locatedoutside of the shaft 135 may be in physical communication with anexternal surface of the shaft 135. In some examples, the aspiration tube160 may have a fixed location with respect to the shaft 135. In somealternative examples, the aspiration tube 160 may be extendable in adistal direction with respect to the shaft 135. Extension of theextendable aspiration tube 160 may be controlled by means of anaspiration tube control device. As one non-limiting example, theaspiration tube control device may comprise a slide switch 130. Theslide switch 130, in a first position (for example, in a proximalposition), may cause the aspiration tube 160 to remain in a first orretracted position in which the aspiration port 165 is locatedessentially below the fluid discharge port 150. However, the slideswitch 130 in a second position (for example in a distal position), maycause the aspiration tube 160 to extend in a distal direction to a fullyextended position so that the aspiration port 165 is located distal fromand beneath the fluid discharge port 150. In one example, the slideswitch 130 may preferentially position the aspiration tube 160 in one oftwo positions, such as the retracted position and the fully extendedposition. It may be recognized, however, that the slide switch 130 mayalso permit the aspiration tube 160 to assume any position between theretracted position and the fully extended position. Regardless of theposition of the aspiration tube 160 as disclosed above, the aspirationport 165 may be maintained at a location beneath a plane defined by thetop surface of the diverter 155. In this manner, the diverter 155 isconfigured to prevent fluid emitted by the fluid discharge port 150 fromdirectly being removed at the aspiration port 165.

FIGS. 9 and 10 present partial interior views of an electrosurgicaldevice 200. In addition to the components disclosed above with respectto FIGS. 1-8, the electrosurgical device 200 includes an aspirated fluidpath 210 that forms a fluid connection between the proximal fluidevacuation port 110 and the distal fluid aspiration port 165. Alsoillustrated are valve components 225 of the metering valve 125 andcontrol components 230 of the aspiration tube such as, for example, aslide switch 130. Fluid discharge port 150, electrodes 145 a,b, fluidaspiration port 165, and a portion of housing 105 are also illustratedin FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIGS. 11-21 present a variety of views of the interior components ofelectrosurgical device 300. FIG. 18 is a close-up view of the distal endof the electrosurgical device 300 shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is aclose-up view of actuator components of the electrosurgical device 300shown in FIG. 17 depicting the metering valve 125 and slide switch 130.Additional components depicted in FIGS. 11-21 include the source fluidpath 315 that forms a fluid connection between the proximal fluid sourceport 115 and the distal fluid discharge port 150. In some examples, thevalve components 225 of the metering valve 125 are disposed along thelength of the source fluid path 315 permitting a user of electrosurgicaldevice 300 to regulate a flow of fluid through the source fluid path 315from the fluid source port 115 to the fluid discharge port 150. In someexamples of the valve components 225, a screw actuator, such as a pinchvalve, may be used to compress a portion of the source fluid path 315,thereby restricting a flow of fluid therethrough. It may be recognizedthat any number of fluid control valves may be used as valve components225 including, without limitation, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, achoke valve, a needle valve, and a gate valve. It may be understood fromFIGS. 11-21 that source fluid path 315 extends from fluid source port115 through the housing 105 and through shaft 135 to the distal fluiddischarge port 150. Similarly, it may be understood from FIGS. 11-22that aspirated fluid path 210 extends form the proximal fluid evacuationport 110 through the housing 105 and through shaft 135 to the distalfluid aspiration port 165. Additionally, electrodes 145 a,b may extendfrom housing 105 through shaft 135 and extend distally and protrude fromthe end of shaft 135. Alternatively, electrodes 145 a,b may extend onlythrough the shaft 135 and extend distally and protrude from the end ofshaft 135. Proximal ends 345 a,b of the electrodes 145 a,b, may receiveconnectors to place the electrodes 145 a,b in electrical communicationwith energy source 120. Electrodes 145 a,b may receive the electricalenergy from the energy source 120 to permit cauterization to the tissuein the surgical site either through direct contact of the tissue withthe protruding portion of the electrodes 145 a,b, or through heating afluid contacting electrodes 145 a,b.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of electrosurgical device 400. Inparticular, the cross-sectional view 400 illustrates the two fluid pathsthrough the device. Thus, FIG. 22 illustrates source fluid path 315 influid communication with the proximal fluid source port 115 and thedistal fluid discharge port 150. Additionally, FIG. 22 illustrates anexample of a physical relationship between source fluid path 315 and thevalve components 225 of the metering valve 125. FIG. 22 also illustratesan example in which the source fluid path 315 may extend through boththe housing 105 and the shaft 135. Further, FIG. 22 illustratesaspirated fluid path 210 in fluid communication with the proximal fluidevacuation port 110 and the distal fluid aspiration port 165. Theaspirated fluid path 210 may also include an aspiration tube 160 thatmay be disposed at a distal end of the aspirated fluid path 210. Thedistal fluid aspiration port 165 may be formed at a distal end of theaspiration tube 160.

FIGS. 23-27 and 29-34 illustrate partial interior views of anelectrosurgical device 200 having an aspiration tube 160 in a proximalor retracted position and an electrosurgical device 500 having anaspiration tube 160 in an distal or extended position Z. FIG. 23 issimilar to FIG. 9 and particularly illustrates a first and proximalposition X of the slide switch 130 (as a non-limiting example of anaspiration tube control device) along with a proximal or retractedposition of aspiration tube 160. FIG. 24 particularly illustrates asecond and distal position Y of the slide switch 130 (as a non-limitingexample of an aspiration tube control device) in addition to a distal orextended position Z of aspiration tube 160. FIG. 25 illustrates analternative perspective view of electrosurgical device 500. FIG. 26 isan expanded perspective view of the distal end of the electrosurgicaldevice 500 shown in FIG. 25, particularly illustrating the distal end ofaspiration tube 160 in the extended position Z. FIG. 27 is an expandedperspective view of actuator components of the electrosurgical device500 shown in FIG. 25, particularly illustrating the second or distalposition X of the slide switch 130. FIGS. 29, 30, and 31 present planviews of the top, side, and bottom, respectively, of electrosurgicaldevice 500. FIGS. 29-31 may be compared with FIGS. 32, 33, and 34 whichpresent plan views of the top, side, and bottom, respectively, ofelectrosurgical device 200. FIGS. 29-31 illustrate the distal positionsY and Z of slide switch 130 and aspiration tube 160, respectively. FIGS.32-34 illustrate the proximal position X of slide switch 130 and theproximal or retracted position of aspiration tube 160.

FIG. 28 illustrates a cross sectional view of an example of a meteringvalve 125 depicting some exemplary metering valve components 225. Thevalve components 225 may include a switch button 525 that may beactivated by a user. The valve components 225 may also include anadjustable stop mechanism 527 that may adjust the position of a pinchvalve 532 with respect to a portion of the source fluid path 315. Theadjustable stop mechanism 527 may comprise a screw activated portionthat may be adjusted by a rotation of the switch button 525. In thismanner, a user may rotate the switch button 525 and adjust an amount offluid flowing through the source fluid path 315 to exit from the distalfluid discharge port 150 based on an amount of compression applied tosource fluid path 315 by a pinch valve. In some examples, the adjustablestop mechanism 527 may have two positions (an “open” position and a“closed” position). Alternatively, the adjustable stop mechanism 527 maybe adjustable and permit the user to select any amount of fluid flowthrough the source fluid path 315.

Additionally, the metering valve 125 may include additional components225 that may be used to control an electrical connection between theelectrodes 145 a,b and the energy source 120. For example, an RF switch530 may used to form the electrical connections between the electrodes145 a,b and the energy source 120. In one example, the RF switch 530 maybe a momentary contact switch that connects the electrodes 145 a,b andthe energy source 120 only when actively depressed by a user.Alternatively, the RF switch 530 may be a latching push button switchthat may be sequentially activated (push-to-make) and deactivated(push-to-break) upon being depressed. A closure spring 534 may beincluded among the switch components 225 to return the switch button 525to an undepressed state when a user is not actively depressing theswitch button 525.

FIG. 35 presents a perspective view of a general example of an endeffector 600. As disclosed above, the end effector may be composed of apair of electrodes 145 a,b, extending from a shaft 135, a distal fluiddischarge port 150, a diverter 155, and an aspiration port 165 that maybe part of an aspiration tube 160. The diverter 155 may be placedbetween the pair of electrodes 145 a,b in such a manner as to form acontact of a first edge of the diverter 155 with a surface of oneelectrode 145 a, and a contact of a second edge of the diverter 155 witha surface on a second electrode 145 b. In some examples, a proximal edgeof the diverter 155 may form a mechanical communication with an endsurface of the shaft 135. In this manner, fluid emitted by the distalfluid discharge port 150 may be retained on a first or top surface ofthe diverter 155. The fluid on the top surface of the diverter 155 maybe retained on that surface for a sufficient time to maintain contact ofthe fluid with a surface of both electrodes 145 a,b. If the fluid is anionic fluid, current passing through the fluid between the electrodes145 a,b may heat the fluid sufficiently to form a steam capable ofcauterizing tissue.

FIG. 36 depicts a perspective view of a fabricated model of the endeffector 600 as depicted in FIG. 35.

FIGS. 37-44 depict a variety of examples of an end effector as generallydisclosed as end effector 600 depicted in FIG. 35.

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate a perspective view and a top plan view,respectively, of one example of end effector 700. End effector 700illustrates many of the components disclosed above with respect to endeffector 600 of FIG. 36. These components include the shaft 135, thefluid discharge port 150, the aspirator port 165, the electrodes 145a,b, and aspirator tube 160. In addition to the aspirator port 165, theaspirator tube 160 may include additional ports along the length of theaspirator tube 160 to aspirate material from the surgical site. Thediverter 755 of end effector 700 includes a number of features 757 aconfigured to direct the flow of a fluid emitted by fluid discharge port150 to the surface of electrodes 145 a,b. Features 757 a may includecurved guide-ways protruding from the top surface of the diverter 755.Additionally, the top surface of the diverter 755 may include additionalfeatures at the distal end to further guide the fluid towards theelectrodes 145 a,b. The electrodes 145 a,b may have a generally circularor elliptical cross section 745 a,b at a portion near the distal end ofthe shaft 135. Further, the electrodes 145 a,b may be chamfered at theirdistal ends 747 a,b resulting in an oval or egg-shaped distal end 747a,b. Cross-sectional view F in FIG. 38 illustrates that the oval distalends 747 a,b of the electrodes 145 a,b have their respective long axesdirected to the outer portion of the end effector 700, away from thediverter 755.

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate a perspective view and a top plan view,respectively, of another example of end effector 700. In FIGS. 39 and40, the distal portion of the electrodes 145 a,b may have a circular oroval cross section, but the electrodes 145 a,b may have a fabiform orkidney-shaped cross section 745 c,d closer (proximal) to the shaft 135.Such a fabiform cross section 745 c,d may be useful during fabricationof the electrosurgical device to secure the diverter 755 between theinner surfaces of the electrodes 145 a,b. Cross sectional view G of FIG.40 illustrates how the diverter 755 may be secured against the innersurfaces of the fabiform cross section 745 c,d. The example of endeffector 700 depicted in FIGS. 39 and 40 also are distinguished fromthat depicted in FIGS. 37 and 38 in that the features 757 b comprisingthe protruding fluid guide-ways comprise straight guide-ways to directthe fluid on the top surface of the diverter 755 to the electrodes 145a,b. Additionally, the electrodes 145 a,b may be chamfered to result inoval distal ends 747 c,d in which the respective long axes 749 a,b aredirected towards the inner portion of the end effector 700, and pointingtowards the diverter 755. This geometry is depicted in FIG. 40,cross-sectional view H.

FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate a perspective view and a top plan view,respectively, of yet another example of end effector 700. The endeffector 700 depicted in FIGS. 41 and 42 shows common elements to thoseof examples illustrated in FIGS. 37-40. Thus, the electrodes 145 a,bhave a circular or elliptical cross section 745 a,b as illustrated inFIGS. 37 and 38 but include the oval cross sections 747 c,d at thedistal ends of the electrodes 145 a,b as depicted in FIGS. 39 and 40.The fluid flow features 757 c illustrated in FIGS. 41 and 42 arefabricated as recesses in the surface of the diverter 756. Such recessfeatures 757 c may form channels that may be used to guide the flow of afluid on the top surface of the diverter 756 as suggested by the arrowsshown in FIG. 42. The recess figures 757c may also specifically guide aflow of the fluid against the inner surfaces of electrodes 145 a,b asalso illustrated in FIG. 42. The features 757 c may also include aspill-way to direct the fluid emitted by the fluid discharge port 150towards the channels in the surface of diverter 756 thereby preventingthe fluid from flowing out of the recesses when the fluid initiallyleaves the fluid discharge port 150.

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate a perspective view and a top plan view,respectively, of still another example of end effector 700. Theelectrodes 145 a,b, shaft 135, the fluid discharge port 150, theaspirator port 165, and aspirator tube 160 are all similar to theexamples depicted in FIG. 37. Additionally, a portion of the sourcefluid path 315 proximal to the fluid discharge port 150 may includefeatures such as rifling 750 on the inner surface of the source fluidpath 315. Such rifling 750 may impart a turbulent flow to a fluidemitted by the fluid discharge port 150, especially if the fluid issourced under pressure. Thus, a fluid entering the distal end of sourcefluid path 315 (arrow on right of FIG. 44) may exit at the fluiddischarge port 150 having a turbulent flow that is more easilydistributed by the features 757 a on the top surface of diverter 755, asillustrated by the arrows superimposed on the top surface of diverter755 in FIG. 44. As a result, the fluid on the top surface of diverter755 may more readily flow to contact the electrodes 145 a,b.

The flow of a fluid emitted by fluid discharge port 150 may also bevaried by the incorporation of apertures at the distal end of the fluiddischarge port 150. FIGS. 45, 46, and 47 illustrate, respectively, fluidflow through a slit aperture 850 a, a circular or pinhole aperture 850b, and a semi-lunar aperture 850 c. The rifling 750 may be added to asource fluid path 315 terminating in a fluid discharge port 150 havingany of the apertures 850 a-c as illustrated in FIGS. 45-47. FIG. 46, forexample, depicts the rifling 750 used in addition to a circular orpinhole aperture 850 b.

FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate a perspective view and a vertical crosssectional view, respectively, of an example of end effector 800 thatcomprises three electrodes. The end effector 800 depicted in FIGS. 48and 49 includes, as disclosed in examples depicted in FIGS. 37-44, adistal end of a shaft 135, a fluid discharge port 150, and an aspiratorport 165. Also depicted in FIGS. 48 and 49 are a pair of electrodes 145a,b that are disposed juxtaposed to each other and are separated by adiverter 855. The diverter 855 illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49 mayinclude a series of protruding feature 857 that may differ from those inexamples depicted in FIGS. 37-40. In the example of end effector 800illustrated by FIGS. 48 and 49, a third electrode 845 may beincorporated on the top surface of the diverter 855. In the examples ofend effectors illustrated above, the two electrodes 145 a,b are disposedjuxtaposed to each having a spacing between them. As disclosed above, afirst electrode 145 a may receive electrical energy of a first polarity(such as a positive polarity) from the energy supply 120 and the secondelectrode 145 b may receive electrical energy of a second and opposingpolarity (such as a negative polarity) from the energy supply 120.Alternatively, the first electrode 145 a may be connected to a groundterminal of the energy supply 120, and the second electrode 145 b may beconnected to a varying AC voltage terminal of the energy supply 120. Theelectrodes 145 a,b illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49 may receive electricalenergy having the same polarity while additional electrode 845 mayreceive electrical energy having a second and opposing polarity.Alternatively, electrodes 145 a,b may be connected to a varying ACvoltage terminal of the energy supply 120 while the third electrode 845may be connected to a ground terminal of the energy supply 120. In yetanother alternative example, electrodes 145 a,b may be connected to aground terminal of the energy supply 120 while the third electrode 845may be connected to a varying AC voltage terminal of the energy supply120. It may be understood that an end effector may include any number ofelectrodes disposed in any appropriate geometry around or about adiverter placed therebetween or thereamong.

FIG. 50 illustrates an alternative example of an end effector 900. Endeffector 900 includes a pair of electrodes 945 a,b that have a fabiformor kidney-shaped cross section. Diverter 955 is positioned between theconcave inner surfaces of electrodes 945 a,b, and an aspirator tubehaving a distal aspiration port 965 is positioned below the diverter955. Unlike many of the end effectors disclosed above, the source fluidpath 315 in end effector 900 does not terminate in a discharge port 150at a distal end of the shaft 135. Instead, as illustrated in FIG. 50,the source fluid path 315 may continue along the length of one or moreof the electrodes. For example, the source fluid path 315 may extend asone or more cannulae 915 a,b that are positioned, for example, along theinner concave surface of the electrodes 945 a,b. The cannulae 915 a,bmay be placed against or in proximity to the top surface of the diverter955. The cannulae 915 a,b may also include pores or weep-holes 950 thatmay permit a fluid flowing through the source fluid path 315 and thecannulae 915 a,b, to flow onto the top surface of the diverter 955. Thefluid may flow from the pores or weep-holes 950 onto the top surface ofthe diverter 955 due to capillary action and/or surface tension.Although two cannulae 915 a,b, are illustrated in FIG. 50, it may beunderstood that a single cannula or multiple cannulae may be used toprovide the fluid to flow onto the top surface of the diverter 955.

It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are usedthroughout the specification with reference to a clinician manipulatingone end of an instrument used to treat a patient. The term “proximal”refers to the portion of the instrument closest to the clinician and theterm “distal” refers to the portion located furthest from the clinician.It will further be appreciated that for conciseness and clarity, spatialterms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” or “down” may be usedherein with respect to the illustrated embodiments. However, surgicalinstruments may be used in many orientations and positions, and theseterms are not intended to be limiting or absolute.

Various aspects of surgical instruments are described herein. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the various aspectsdescribed herein may be used with the described surgical instruments.The descriptions are provided for example only, and those skilled in theart will understand that the disclosed examples are not limited to onlythe devices disclosed herein, but may be used with any compatiblesurgical instrument or robotic surgical system.

Reference throughout the specification to “various aspects,” “someaspects,” “one example,” or “one aspect” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theaspect is included in at least one example. Thus, appearances of thephrases “in various aspects,” “in some aspects,” “in one example,” or“in one aspect” in places throughout the specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated ordescribed in connection with one example may be combined, in whole or inpart, with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more otheraspects without limitation.

While various aspects herein have been illustrated by description ofseveral aspects and while the illustrative embodiments have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications mayreadily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, it is generallyaccepted that endoscopic procedures are more common than laparoscopicprocedures. Accordingly, the present invention has been discussed interms of endoscopic procedures and apparatus. However, use herein ofterms such as “endoscopic”, should not be construed to limit the presentinvention to an instrument for use only in conjunction with anendoscopic tube (e.g., trocar). On the contrary, it is believed that thepresent invention may find use in any procedure where access is limitedto a small incision, including but not limited to laparoscopicprocedures, as well as open procedures.

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures anddescriptions herein have been simplified to illustrate elements that arerelevant for a clear understanding of the disclosure, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize, however, that these and other elements may bedesirable. However, because such elements are well known in the art, andbecause they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure,a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.

While several aspects have been described, it should be apparent,however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations tothose embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with theattainment of some or all of the advantages of the disclosure. Forexample, according to various aspects, a single component may bereplaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replacedby a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Thisapplication is therefore intended to cover all such modifications,alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spiritof the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out inthe following numbered examples:

Example 1

An electrosurgical device comprising: a proximal fluid source port and afirst fluid path in fluid communication with the proximal fluid sourceport; a proximal fluid evacuation port and a second fluid path in fluidcommunication with the proximal fluid evacuation port; a first electrodeand a second electrode; a housing configured to enclose a first portionof the first fluid path, a first portion of the second fluid path, afirst portion of the first electrode, and a first portion of the secondelectrode; a shaft extending distally from the housing configured toenclose a second portion of the first fluid path, a second portion ofthe second fluid path, a second portion of the first electrode, and asecond portion of the second electrode and an end effector, the endeffector comprising: a distal fluid discharge port in fluidcommunication with the second portion of the first fluid path; a distalfluid aspiration port in fluid communication with the second portion ofthe second fluid path; a third portion of the first electrode and athird portion of the second electrode; and a diverter comprising a firstsurface, a first edge in mechanical communication with the third portionof the first electrode and a second edge in mechanical communicationwith the third portion of the second electrode.

Example 2

The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the diverter isconfigured to maintain a contact between the fluid, a surface of thethird portion of the first electrode, and a surface of the third portionof the second electrode.

Example 3

The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the diverter comprisesa plurality of features on the first surface.

Example 4

The electrosurgical device of Example 3, wherein the plurality offeatures are configured to direct a fluid flow of the fluid on the firstsurface of the diverter.

Example 5

The electrosurgical device of Example 3, wherein the plurality offeatures comprise a plurality of protrusions.

Example 6

The electrosurgical device of Example 3, wherein the plurality offeatures comprise a plurality of recesses.

Example 7

The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the distal fluiddischarge port comprises an aperture comprising a circular opening, asemi-lunar opening, or a slit opening.

Example 8

The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the second portion ofthe first fluid path proximal to the distal fluid discharge port isconfigured to impart a turbulent flow to a fluid flowing therethrough.

Example 9

The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the second portion ofthe first fluid path comprises a first cannula and a second cannula.

Example 10

The electrosurgical device of Example 9, wherein the first cannula is inmechanical communication with an inner surface of the third portion ofthe first electrode and the second cannula is in mechanicalcommunication with an inner surface of the third portion of the secondelectrode.

Example 11

The electrosurgical device of Example 9, wherein the distal fluiddischarge port comprises a plurality of pores in the first cannula andthe second cannula.

Example 12

An end effector of an electrosurgical device, the end effectorcomprising: a distal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with afirst fluid path; a distal fluid aspiration port in fluid communicationwith a second fluid path; a first electrode and a second electrode; anda diverter in mechanical communication with the first electrode and thesecond electrode, and disposed therebetween, wherein the diverter isconfigured to receive, on a first surface, a fluid emitted by the distalfluid discharge port, and to maintain a contact of the fluid thereonwith a surface of the first electrode and a surface of the secondelectrode, and wherein the diverter is configured to prevent anaspiration by the distal fluid aspiration port of the fluid on the firstsurface thereof.

Example 13

The end effector of Example 12, wherein the diverter comprises anelectrically insulating material.

Example 14

The end effector of Example 12, wherein the diverter comprises a heatresistant material.

Example 15

The end effector of Example 12, wherein the diverter comprises aplurality of features on the first surface.

Example 16

The end effector of Example 15, wherein the plurality of features areconfigured to direct a flow of the fluid on the first surface of thediverter towards the first electrode or the second electrode.

Example 17

The end effector of Example 15, wherein the plurality of featurescomprise a plurality of protrusions.

Example 18

The end effector of Example 15, wherein the plurality of featurescomprise a plurality of recesses.

Example 19

The end effector of Example 12, wherein the first fluid path comprises afirst cannula and a second cannula.

Example 20

The end effector of Example 19, wherein the first cannula is inmechanical communication with an inner surface of the first electrodeand the second cannula is in mechanical communication with an innersurface of the second electrode.

Example 21

The end effector of Example 19, wherein the distal fluid discharge portcomprises a plurality of pores in the first cannula and the secondcannula and wherein the plurality of pores are configured to source thefluid onto the first surface of the diverter.

Example 22

An end effector of an electrosurgical device, the end effectorcomprising: an outlet port in fluid communication with a first fluidpath; an inlet port in fluid communication a second fluid path; a firstelectrode and a second electrode positioned in juxtaposed relationship;and a diverter comprising a first surface configured to receive fluidemitted by the outlet port, wherein the diverter is disposed between thefirst and second juxtaposed electrodes, and wherein the diverter isdisposed between the outlet port and the inlet port to separate theoutlet port and the inlet port.

Example 23

The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the diverter isconfigured to receive, on the first surface, a fluid emitted by thedistal fluid discharge port.

Example 24

The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the distal fluidaspiration port is configured to remove a material from an area proximalto the diverter.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrosurgical device comprising: a proximalfluid source port and a first fluid path in fluid communication with theproximal fluid source port; a proximal fluid evacuation port and asecond fluid path in fluid communication with the proximal fluidevacuation port; a first electrode and a second electrode; a housingconfigured to enclose a first portion of the first fluid path, a firstportion of the second fluid path, a first portion of the firstelectrode, and a first portion of the second electrode; a shaftextending distally from the housing configured to enclose a secondportion of the first fluid path, a second portion of the second fluidpath, a second portion of the first electrode, and a second portion ofthe second electrode and an end effector, the end effector comprising: adistal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with the secondportion of the first fluid path; a distal fluid aspiration port in fluidcommunication with the second portion of the second fluid path; a thirdportion of the first electrode and a third portion of the secondelectrode; and a diverter comprising a first surface, a first edge inmechanical communication with the third portion of the first electrode,and a second edge in mechanical communication with the third portion ofthe second electrode.
 2. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, whereinthe diverter is configured to maintain a contact between the fluid, asurface of the third portion of the first electrode, and a surface ofthe third portion of the second electrode.
 3. The electrosurgical deviceof claim 1, wherein the diverter comprises a plurality of features onthe first surface.
 4. The electrosurgical device of claim 3, wherein theplurality of features are configured to direct a fluid flow of the fluidon the first surface of the diverter.
 5. The electrosurgical device ofclaim 3, wherein the plurality of features comprise a plurality ofprotrusions.
 6. The electrosurgical device of claim 3, wherein theplurality of features comprise a plurality of recesses.
 7. Theelectrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein the distal fluid dischargeport comprises an aperture comprising a circular opening, a semi-lunaropening, or a slit opening.
 8. The electrosurgical device of claim 1,wherein the second portion of the first fluid path proximal to thedistal fluid discharge port is configured to impart a turbulent flow toa fluid flowing therethrough.
 9. The electrosurgical device of claim 1,wherein the second portion of the first fluid path comprises a firstcannula and a second cannula.
 10. The electrosurgical device of claim 9,wherein the first cannula is in mechanical communication with an innersurface of the third portion of the first electrode and the secondcannula is in mechanical communication with an inner surface of thethird portion of the second electrode.
 11. The electrosurgical device ofclaim 9, wherein the distal fluid discharge port comprises a pluralityof pores in the first cannula and the second cannula.
 12. An endeffector of an electrosurgical device, the end effector comprising: adistal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with a first fluidpath; a distal fluid aspiration port in fluid communication with asecond fluid path; a first electrode and a second electrode; and adiverter in mechanical communication with the first electrode and thesecond electrode, and disposed therebetween, wherein the diverter isconfigured to receive, on a first surface, a fluid emitted by the distalfluid discharge port, and to maintain a contact of the fluid thereonwith a surface of the first electrode and a surface of the secondelectrode, and wherein the diverter is configured to prevent anaspiration by the distal fluid aspiration port of the fluid on the firstsurface thereof.
 13. The end effector of claim 12, wherein the divertercomprises an electrically insulating material.
 14. The end effector ofclaim 12, wherein the diverter comprises a heat resistant material. 15.The end effector of claim 12, wherein the diverter comprises a pluralityof features on the first surface.
 16. The end effector of claim 15,wherein the plurality of features are configured to direct a flow of thefluid on the first surface of the diverter towards the first electrodeor the second electrode.
 17. The end effector of claim 15, wherein theplurality of features comprise a plurality of protrusions.
 18. The endeffector of claim 15, wherein the plurality of features comprise aplurality of recesses.
 19. The end effector of claim 12, wherein thefirst fluid path comprises a first cannula and a second cannula.
 20. Theend effector of claim 19, wherein the first cannula is in mechanicalcommunication with an inner surface of the first electrode and thesecond cannula is in mechanical communication with an inner surface ofthe second electrode.
 21. The end effector of claim 19, wherein thedistal fluid discharge port comprises a plurality of pores in the firstcannula and the second cannula and wherein the plurality of pores areconfigured to source the fluid onto the first surface of the diverter.22. An end effector of an electrosurgical device, the end effectorcomprising: an outlet port in fluid communication with a first fluidpath; an inlet port in fluid communication a second fluid path; a firstelectrode and a second electrode positioned in juxtaposed relationship;and a diverter comprising a first surface configured to receive fluidemitted by the outlet port, wherein the diverter is disposed between thefirst and second juxtaposed electrodes, and wherein the diverter isdisposed between the outlet port and the inlet port to separate theoutlet port and the inlet port.
 23. The electrosurgical device of claim1, wherein the diverter is configured to receive, on the first surface,a fluid emitted by the distal fluid discharge port.
 24. Theelectrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein the distal fluid aspirationport is configured to remove a material from an area proximal to thediverter.